Why go to Hanoi

Hanoi, the country's second largest city, is said to be the heart and soul of the country and after visiting the city it is easy to see why. Sightseeing in Hanoi is one of the cities you should include in your bucket list as the beautiful, Northern Vietnamese cities is easily navigable on foot with a lot of things to do at a slow pace then the rest of the country. Here you will feel the strong sense of laid-back tranquillity that only a timelessly old settlement can have; it is rich in culture, magnificent architecture, scenic landscapes, and bustling city life. However, it will take more than one day to soak up all this city has to over so this is where this guide comes in handy.

As the capital city, Hanoi is also the second most populated city in Vietnam with a history that dates back to about 3,000 BC. At that time Hanoi was known as Thang Long before being renamed Hanoi in 1831 when Hue was made the capital of Siam. Hanoi then became the capital to French Indochina from 1902 until the revolution in the 1950's that lead to Vietnam leaving France control around 1954. However during the French occupation of 1902-1954, the city was molded to the French ideal with broad streets and charming French inspired buildings.

Culture

Hanoi is renowned as the cultural capital of Vietnam and visitors who end up in Hanoi can expect to see broad boulevards lined with buildings in a French-inspired architecture, quaint wayside galleries displaying artwork, and charming locals mixing with tourists wearing the newest clothes. One of the first things you should do is to acquaint yourself with the city's culture by soaking up culture in one of the many museums like:

1. National Museum of Vietnamese History
   
2. Ho Chi Minh Museum
   
3. Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts
   
4. Vietnam Women's Museum
   
5. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
   

Eating

As the years go by, Vietnamese cuisine has become more and more well-liked, and Hanoi is the best spot to enjoy mouthwatering regional and fusion cuisine. You can discover meals that will please your palate anywhere, from the smallest eateries to the most opulent dining establishments. The Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant, which has been in business for more than a century, is a well-known eatery in Hanoi's Old Quarter that you shouldn't miss.

Historic Shopping

After eating a filling meal wanting to walk it off is normal so why not visit some uniquely Hanoi shops? In one of Hanoi's many marketplaces, you can purchase anything from cheap toys to pricey, exotic décor with the most popular being Dong Xuan Market in the Old Quarter. You could also visit the Van Phuc Silk Village to see how the age-old craft of making silk from silk worms is still done today.

Slower Pace

You only need to stroll about Hanoi's less crowded streets, go to a temple, museum, or sit in a quiet restaurant to get away from the buzzing city if you're searching for a more leisurely pastime. You might even visit one of the many a spa's and treat yourself to a well-earned massage or you could spend the night at the Opera. Another option would be to take a walk around one of the many parks and gardens like the Botanical Gardens which boasts a variety of old trees, sculptures, and open spaces ideal for walking or having a picnic.